How do I make sure I get TSA PreCheck?

Streamline Your Airport Security with TSA PreCheck®

Tired of long security lines at the airport? TSA PreCheck® offers a faster, more convenient screening experience for eligible travelers. With PreCheck, you can avoid removing shoes, belts, laptops, liquids, and light jackets, making your passage through security significantly smoother. But how do you ensure you get this valuable perk?

The process is straightforward and begins online. Visit tsa.gov/precheck, the official website for the program, to initiate your application. This online pre-enrollment process captures your basic information and allows you to select a convenient enrollment center near you. The website offers a searchable database of enrollment centers, filtering by location and availability, so you can find a time and place that fits your schedule.

Once you’ve pre-enrolled, you have two options for completing the process: schedule an appointment or walk in. Scheduling an appointment is recommended to guarantee a time slot and minimize potential wait times. However, many enrollment centers also accept walk-ins, offering flexibility for those with less predictable schedules.

At your appointment, you’ll provide required documentation, such as a valid photo ID and proof of citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate), and have your fingerprints taken for a background check. The non-refundable application fee is $85 and covers five years of PreCheck membership.

While most applicants are approved, approval is not guaranteed. The TSA conducts a thorough security check on each applicant. Factors that could impact approval include having certain criminal offenses on your record or providing incomplete or inaccurate information during the application process.

Beyond the convenience factor, TSA PreCheck offers a sense of predictability to your travel experience. Knowing you can expedite the security process allows you to arrive at the airport with less time to spare, reducing stress and making travel days more enjoyable. So, ditch the long lines and embrace the ease of TSA PreCheck. Start your application today at tsa.gov/precheck.